Low profile faceplate having managed connectivity

ABSTRACT

A faceplate assembly includes a faceplate member; at least one jack module mounted in an opening of the faceplate member; and a printed circuit board assembly. The printed circuit board assembly includes a printed circuit board; a first set of secondary contacts that are electrically connected to the printed circuit board; and a network connector that is electrically connected to the secondary contacts of the first set via the printed circuit board. The secondary contacts extend into the jack module. The secondary contacts are isolated from primary contacts of the jack module.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 14/033,970,filed Sep. 23, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,203,198, which applicationclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/707,242, filedSep. 28, 2012, and titled “Low Profile Faceplate Having ManagedConnectivity,” which applications are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Various electrical/fiberoptic connectors are known for use in thetelecommunications industry to transmit voice, data and video signals. Acommon connector configuration includes a faceplate or outlet that ismounted on a structure such as a wall. The faceplate defines a pluralityof openings in which connectors can be mounted. A typical connectorincludes a modular jack defining a port sized for receiving aconventional modular plug. Other conventional types of connectorsinclude SC connectors, LC connector, MPO/MTP connector, ST connectors,MT-RJ connector, BNC connectors, USB connector, HDMI connector, S-Videoconnector, TERA connector, RJ-45 connector, F connectors and RCAconnectors, for example.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, a faceplate assemblyincludes a faceplate member; at least one jack module; and a printedcircuit board assembly. The faceplate member defines at least oneopening extending between the front and the rear. The jack module ismounted in the opening of the faceplate member. The jack module definesa port accessible from the front of the faceplate member. The jackmodule includes primary contacts that are configured to attach toconductors that are accessible from the rear of the faceplate member.The printed circuit board assembly is mounted to the rear of thefaceplate member. The printed circuit board assembly includes a printedcircuit board; a first set of secondary contacts that are electricallyconnected to the printed circuit board; and a network connector that iselectrically connected to the secondary contacts of the first set viathe printed circuit board. The secondary contacts of the first setextend into the jack module. The secondary contacts of the first set areisolated from the primary contacts of the jack module.

In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a managedconnectivity system includes a wall outlet faceplate assembly; a networkanalyzer; and a termination device. The wall outlet faceplate assemblyincludes flush-mounted jacks. Each jack includes primary contacts andsecondary contacts isolated from the primary contacts. The faceplateassembly also includes a network connector that is electrically coupledto the secondary contacts of each jack. The network analyzer iselectrically coupled to the network connector to receive signals fromthe secondary contacts of each jack. The termination device includes aplurality of electrical terminations. The primary contacts of at leastone of the jacks is electrically connected to one of the electricalterminations.

In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a method ofinstalling a managed connectivity system includes mounting at least onemedia reading interface with secondary contacts to a printed circuitboard; mounting a network connector to the printed circuit board so thatthe network connector is electrically connected to the secondarycontacts; mounting the printed circuit board to a rear of a faceplatemember so that the secondary contacts extend into an opening defined inthe faceplate member and the network connector extends rearwardly of thefaceplate member; and mounting a jack module at the opening defined inthe faceplate member so that the secondary contacts extend into aninterior of the jack module and are accessible through a port defined bythe jack module. The secondary contacts remain isolated from primarycontacts of the jack module.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in thedescription that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and combinations of features. It is to be understood that boththe foregoing general description and the following detailed descriptionare exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broadinventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein arebased.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the description, illustrate several aspects of the presentdisclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one example implementation of acommunications management system that includes PLI functionality as wellas PLM functionality;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one example connector assemblyconfigured to collect physical layer information from a connectorarrangement terminating a media segment;

FIGS. 3 and 4 show one example implementation of connector arrangementin the form of an electrical plug connector for terminating anelectrical communications cable;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an example faceplate assembly withvarious components exploded away from each other;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the example faceplate assembly ofFIG. 5 with the components assembled together;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the faceplate assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the faceplate assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the faceplate assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the faceplate assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a first example managed connectivitysystem including the faceplate assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of another example managed connectivitysystem including the faceplate assembly of FIG. 6 and a local processor;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an example faceplate member andcircuit board assembly of the faceplate assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the faceplate member and circuitboard assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the faceplate member and circuitboard assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a rear elevational view of the faceplate member and circuitboard assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the faceplate member and circuitboard assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of an example circuit board assemblyof the faceplate assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of the board assembly of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the board assembly of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a rear elevational view of the board assembly of FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the board assembly of FIG. 18;

FIG. 23 is a front top perspective view of an example jack module of thefaceplate assembly of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 24 is a front, bottom perspective view of the example jack moduleof FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the presentdisclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, an examplecommunications and data management system includes at least part of acommunications network along which communications signals pass. Mediasegments connect equipment of the communications network. Non-limitingexamples of media segments include optical cables, electrical cables,and hybrid cables. This disclosure will focus on electrical mediasegments. The media segments may be terminated with electrical plugs,electrical jacks, media converters, or other termination components.

In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the communications anddata management system provides physical layer information (PLI)functionality as well as physical layer management (PLM) functionality.As the term is used herein, “PLI functionality” refers to the ability ofa physical component or system to identify or otherwise associatephysical layer information with some or all of the physical componentsused to implement the physical layer of the system. As the term is usedherein, “PLM functionality” refers to the ability of a component orsystem to manipulate or to enable others to manipulate the physicalcomponents used to implement the physical layer of the system (e.g., totrack what is connected to each component, to trace connections that aremade using the components, or to provide visual indications to a user ata selected component).

As the term is used herein, “physical layer information” refers toinformation about the identity, attributes, and/or status of thephysical components used to implement the physical layer of thecommunications system. Physical layer information of the communicationssystem can include media information, device information, and locationinformation. Media information refers to physical layer informationpertaining to cables, plugs, connectors, and other such physical media.Non-limiting examples of media information include a part number, aserial number, a plug type, a conductor type, a cable length, cablepolarity, a cable pass-through capacity, a date of manufacture, amanufacturing lot number, the color or shape of the plug connector, aninsertion count, and testing or performance information. Deviceinformation refers to physical layer information pertaining to thecommunications panels, inter-networking devices, media converters,computers, servers, wall outlets, and other physical communicationsdevices to which the media segments attach. Location information refersto physical layer information pertaining to a physical layout of abuilding or buildings in which the network is deployed.

In accordance with some aspects, one or more of the components (e.g.,media segments, equipment, etc.) of the communications network areconfigured to store physical layer information pertaining to thecomponent as will be disclosed in more detail herein. Some componentsinclude media reading interfaces that are configured to read storedphysical layer information from the components. The physical layerinformation obtained by the media reading interface may be communicatedover the network for processing and/or storage.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one example implementation of acommunications management system 200 that includes PLI functionality aswell as PLM functionality. The management system 200 comprises aplurality of connector assemblies 202 (e.g., patch panels, blades,optical adapters, electrical jacks, media converters, transceivers,etc.), connected to an IP network 218. Each connector assembly 202includes one or more ports 204, each of which is configured to receive amedia segment for connection to other media segments or equipment of themanagement system 200. For the purposes of this disclosure, electricalconnector assemblies 202 and electrical media segments will bedescribed. In other implementations, however, optical connectorassemblies and media segments may be used.

At least some of the connector assemblies 202 are designed for use withelectrical cables that have physical layer information stored in or onthem. The physical layer information is configured to be read by aprogrammable processor 206 associated with one or more connectorassemblies 202. In general, the programmable processor 206 communicateswith memory of an electrical cable using a media reading interface 208.In some implementations, each of the ports 204 of the connectorassemblies 202 includes a respective media reading interface 208. Inother implementations, a single media reading interface 208 maycorrespond to two or more ports 204.

In FIG. 1, four example types of connector assembly configurations 210,212, 214, and 215 are shown. In the first connector assemblyconfiguration 210, each connector assembly 202 includes its ownrespective programmable processor 206 and its own respective networkinterface 216 that is used to communicatively couple that connectorassembly 202 to an Internet Protocol (IP) network 218. In the secondtype of connector assembly configuration 212, connector assemblies 202are grouped together in proximity to each other (e.g., in a rack, racksystem, patch panel, chassis, or equipment closet). Each connectorassembly 202 of the group includes its own respective programmableprocessor 206. However, not all of the connector assemblies 202 includetheir own respective network interfaces 216.

In the third type of connector assembly configuration 214, some of theconnector assemblies 202 (e.g., “masters”) in the group include theirown programmable processors 206 and network interfaces 216, while othersof the connector assemblies 202 (e.g., slaves”) do not include their ownprogrammable processors 206 or network interfaces 216. Each programmableprocessor 206 is able to carry out the PLM functions for both theconnector assembly 202 of which it is a part and any of the slaveconnector assemblies 202 to which the master connector assembly 202 isconnected via the local connections.

In the fourth type of connector assembly configuration 215, each of theconnector assemblies 202 in a group includes its own “slave”programmable processors 206. Each slave programmable processor 206 isconfigured to manage the media reading interfaces 208 to determine ifphysical communication media segments are attached to the port 204 andto read the physical layer information stored in or on the attachedphysical communication media segments (if the attached segments havesuch information stored therein or thereon). Each of the slaveprogrammable processors 206 in the group also is communicatively coupledto a common “master” programmable processor 217. The master processor217 communicates the physical layer information read from by the slaveprocessors 206 to devices that are coupled to the IP network 218. Forexample, the master programmable processor 217 may be coupled to anetwork interface 216 that couples the master processor 217 to the IPnetwork 218.

In accordance with some aspects, the communications management system200 includes functionality that enables the physical layer informationcaptured by the connector assemblies 202 to be used by application-layerfunctionality outside of the traditional physical-layer managementapplication domain. For example, the management system 200 may includean aggregation point 220 that is communicatively coupled to theconnector assemblies 202 via the IP network 218. The aggregation point220 can be implemented on a standalone network node or can be integratedalong with other network functionality.

The aggregation point 220 includes functionality that obtains physicallayer information from the connector assemblies 202 (and other devices)and stores the physical layer information in a data store. Theaggregation point 220 also can be used to obtain other types of physicallayer information. For example, this information can be provided to theaggregation point 220, for example, by manually entering suchinformation into a file (e.g., a spreadsheet) and then uploading thefile to the aggregation point 220 (e.g., using a web browser) inconnection with the initial installation of each of the various items.Such information can also, for example, be directly entered using a userinterface provided by the aggregation point 220 (e.g., using a webbrowser).

The management system 200 also may include a network management system(NMS) 230 includes PLI functionality 232 that is configured to retrievephysical layer information from the aggregation point 220 and provide itto the other parts of the NMS 230 for use thereby. The NMS 230 uses theretrieved physical layer information to perform one or more networkmanagement functions. In certain implementations, the NMS 230communicates with the aggregation point 220 over the IP network 218. Inother implementations, the NMS 230 may be directly connected to theaggregation point 220.

An application 234 executing on a computer 236 also can use the APIimplemented by the aggregation point 220 to access the PLI informationmaintained by the aggregation point 220 (e.g., to retrieve suchinformation from the aggregation point 220 and/or to supply suchinformation to the aggregation point 220). The computer 236 is coupledto the IP network 218 and accesses the aggregation point 220 over the IPnetwork 218.

One or more inter-networking devices 238 used to implement the IPnetwork 218 include physical layer information (PLI) functionality 240.The PLI functionality 240 of the inter-networking device 238 isconfigured to retrieve physical layer information from the aggregationpoint 220 and use the retrieved physical layer information to performone or more inter-networking functions. Examples of inter-networkingfunctions include Layer 1, Layer 2, and Layer 3 (of the OSI model)inter-networking functions such as the routing, switching, repeating,bridging, and grooming of communication traffic that is received at theinter-networking device.

Additional details pertaining to example communications managementsystem 200 can be found in U.S. Publication No. 2011/0115494, filed Oct.19, 2010, and titled “Managed Electrical Connectivity Systems,” thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one example connector assemblyconfigured to collect physical layer information from a connectorarrangement terminating a media segment. The connector assembly isimplemented as a jack module 320 and the connector arrangement isimplemented as an electrical plug connector 310. The plug connector 310terminates at least a first electrical media segment (e.g., a conductorcable) 305 and the jack module 320 terminates at least second electricalmedia segments (e.g., twisted pairs of copper wires) 329. The jackmodule 320 defines at least one socket port 325 in which the plugconnector 310 can be accommodated.

Each electrical segment 305 of the plug connector 310 carriescommunication signals to primary contact members 312 on the plugconnector 310. The jack module 320 includes a primary contactarrangement 322 that is accessible from the socket port 325. The primarycontact arrangement 322 is aligned with and configured to interface withthe primary contact members 312 to receive the communications signalsfrom the primary contact members 312 when the plug connector 310 isinserted into the socket 325 of the jack module 320.

The jack module 320 is electrically coupled to one or more printedcircuit boards. For example, the jack module 320 can support or enclosea first printed circuit board 326, which connects to insulationdisplacement contacts (IDCs) 327 or to another type of electricalcontacts. The IDCs 327 terminate the electrical segments 329 of physicalcommunications media (e.g., conductive wires). The first printed circuitboard 326 manages the primary communication signals carried from theconductors terminating the cable 305 to the electrical segments 329 thatcouple to the IDCs 327.

In accordance with some aspects, the plug connector 310 can include astorage device 315 configured to store physical layer information. Theconnector arrangement 310 also includes second contact members 314 thatare electrically coupled (i.e., or otherwise communicatively coupled) tothe storage device 315. In one implementation, the storage device 315 isimplemented using an EEPROM (e.g., a PCB surface-mount EEPROM). In otherimplementations, the storage device 315 is implemented using othernon-volatile memory device. Each storage device 315 is arranged andconfigured so that it does not interfere or interact with thecommunications signals communicated over the media segment 305.

The jack module 320 also includes a second contact arrangement (e.g., amedia reading interface) 324. In certain implementations, the mediareading interface 324 is accessible through the socket port 325. Thesecond contact arrangement 324 is aligned with and configured tointerface with the second contact members 314 of the plug connector 310to receive the physical layer information from the storage device 315when the plug connector 310 is inserted into the socket 325 of the jackmodule 320.

In some such implementations, the storage device interfaces 314 and themedia reading interfaces 324 each include three (3) leads—a power lead,a ground lead, and a data lead. The three leads of the storage deviceinterface 314 come into electrical contact with three (3) correspondingleads of the media reading interface 124 when the corresponding mediasegment is inserted in the corresponding port 325. In other exampleimplementations, a two-line interface is used with a simple charge pump.In still other implementations, additional leads can be provided (e.g.,for potential future applications).

The jack module 320 also can support, enclose, or otherwise be coupledto a second printed circuit board 328, which connects to the secondcontact arrangement 324. The second printed circuit board 328 managesthe physical layer information communicated from the storage device 315through second contacts 314, 324. In the example shown, the secondprinted circuit board 328 is positioned on an opposite side of the jackmodule 320 from the first printed circuit board 326. In otherimplementations, the printed circuit boards 326, 328 can be positionedon the same side or on different sides. In one implementation, thesecond printed circuit board 328 is positioned horizontally relative tothe jack module 320. In another implementation, the second printedcircuit board 328 is positioned vertically relative to the jack module320.

The second printed circuit board 328 can be communicatively connected toone or more programmable electronic processors (e.g., processor 206 ofFIG. 1) and/or one or more network interfaces (e.g., interface 216 ofFIG. 1). In one implementation, one or more such processors andinterfaces can be arranged as components on the printed circuit board328. In another implementation, one of more such processor andinterfaces can be arranged on a separate circuit board that is coupledto the second printed circuit board 328. For example, the second printedcircuit board 328 can couple to other circuit boards via a card edgetype connection, a connector-to-connector type connection, a cableconnection, etc. The network interface is configured to send thephysical layer information to the data network.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show one example implementation of connector arrangement400 in the form of an electrical plug connector 402 for terminating anelectrical communications cable 490. The plug connector 402 isconfigured to be received within a port of a jack module (e.g., jackmodule 320 of FIG. 2). In the example shown, the plug connector 402 isan RJ plug that is configured to connect to the end of a twisted paircopper cable 490 through an RJ jack (e.g., see jack block 120 of FIGS.23 and 24).

The plug connector 402 includes a plug nose body 404 that can beattached to a wire manager 408 and/or a boot 410. The plug nose body 404includes a finger tab 450 and a key member 415 at a first side 414 ofthe plug 402. The plug nose body 404 holds main signal contacts 412 at asecond side 416 of the plug 402. The main signal contacts 412 areelectrically connected to conductors (e.g., twisted pair conductors) ofthe communications cable 490. Ribs 413 protect the main signal contacts412.

The plug connector 402 is configured to store physical layer information(e.g., an identifier and/or attribute information) pertaining to theelectrical cable 490 terminated thereat. In certain implementations, astorage device 430 may be installed on or in the plug body 404 (see FIG.4). For example, in some implementations, the key member 415 of the plugnose body 404 defines a cavity 460 (FIG. 4) in which the storage device430 can be stored. In some implementations, the plug 402 includes a plugcover 406 that mounts on the plug nose body 404 to close the cavity 460.Contact members 434 of the storage device 430 are accessible throughslots 446 in the key member 415 or plug cover 406.

In some embodiments, the storage device 430 includes a printed circuitboard 420. In the example shown, the circuit board 420 can be slid orotherwise positioned along guides defined in the cavity 460. The circuitboard 420 includes a substrate with conductive traces electricallyconnecting contacts and lands. The circuit board 420 also includescircuit components, such as an EEPROM, at the lands. In otherembodiments, however, the storage device 430 can include any suitabletype of memory. The contact members 434 permit connection of the EEPROMor other memory circuitry to a media reading interface of a couplerassembly as will be described herein. Additional details pertaining tothe plug 402 can be found in U.S. Publication No. 2011/0115494(incorporated by reference above).

FIGS. 5-10 illustrate one example faceplate assembly 100 configured toreceive one or more plugs connectors 402. The faceplate assembly 100includes a front 101, a rear 102, a top 103, a bottom 104, a first side105, and a second side 106 (see FIGS. 7 and 10). The faceplate assembly100 includes a faceplate member 110 that defines one or more openings112 extending therethrough between the front 101 and rear 102. In theexample shown, the faceplate member 110 defines four openings 112. Inother implementations, the faceplate member 110 defines a greater orlesser number of openings 112. A perimeter 111 of the faceplate member110 is tapered or contoured rearwardly.

One or more jack modules 120 are configured to mount within the openings112 from the rear 102 of the faceplate member 110. As will be describedin more detail herein, each jack module 120 defines a port 122 that isaccessible from the front 101 of the faceplate member 110 (see FIG. 6).In some implementations, the jack modules 120 include one or moreprimary electrical contacts 125 (FIG. 24) disposed within the port 122and accessible from the front 101 of the faceplate member 110 when thejack 110 is mounted at the opening 112. Each jack module 120 alsoincludes rear contacts 123 (FIG. 8) that are coupled to the primarycontacts 125. The rear contacts 123 are accessible from the rear 102 ofthe faceplate member 110 (see FIG. 8). In other implementations,however, the jack modules 120 may include optical connection structures(e.g., adapter sleeves) to enable optical coupling of optical fiber plugconnectors at opposite sides of the jack module 120. For convenience,electrical jack modules 120 will be discussed herein with reference tothe faceplate assembly 100.

A circuit board assembly 130 also is mounted to the rear 102 of thefaceplate member 110. The circuit board assembly 130 includes a circuitboard 131 (e.g., a rigid printed circuit board, a flexible circuitboard, etc.). One or more media reading interfaces 140 are mounted tothe circuit board assembly 130. Each of the media reading interfaces 140includes one or more secondary contacts 145 that are electricallycoupled to the circuit board 131. A network connector 150 also iscoupled to the circuit board assembly 130. The network connector 150 iselectrically connected to the secondary contacts 145 of each of themedia reading interfaces 140. The network connector 150 includes networkcontacts that are accessible from the rear 102 of the faceplate member110 for connection to the secondary contacts 145.

When a plug connector (e.g., plug connector 402 of FIGS. 3 and 4) isinserted into the port 122 of one of the jack modules 120, main signalcontacts 412 of the plug 402 engage the primary contacts 125 of the jackmodule 120. Communications data signals carried over a cable to the plug402 are received via the main signal contacts 412 at the primarycontacts 125, through which the communications data signals reach therear contacts 123. The contact members 434 of the connector storagedevice 430 engage the secondary contacts 145 of the media readinginterface 140. Management data signals from the connector storage device430 are received at the secondary contacts 145, through which themanagement data signals reach the network connector 150.

The faceplate assembly 100 can be secured to a wall or other surfaceusing one or more fasteners 159 (e.g., a screw, a nail, a bolt, etc.).In some implementations, the faceplate member 110 defines one or morefastener openings 118 that extend through the faceplate member 110 fromthe front 101 to the rear 102. In certain implementations, the faceplatemember 110 includes a first fastener opening 118 at a top 103 of theassembly 100 and a second fastener opening 118 at a bottom 104 of theassembly 100. Each fastener opening 118 is sized to receive at least onefastener 159.

The faceplate member 110 is configured to engage the wall or othersurface along a peripheral edge. The contoured perimeter 111 of thefaceplate member 110 has a depth D between a front surface of thefaceplate member 110 and the peripheral edge. Accordingly, the depth Dis the distance the front surface is offset from the wall or othersurface to which the faceplate assembly 100 is secured. In someimplementations, the depth D is no more than about 0.3 inches. Incertain implementations, the depth D is no more than about 0.27 inches.In certain implementations, the depth D is no more than about 0.24inches. In certain implementations, the depth D is no more than about0.23 inches. In certain implementations, the depth D is no more thanabout 0.22 inches.

In certain implementations, the fastener openings 118 are recessed intothe contoured perimeter 111 of the faceplate member 110. For example,the first fastener opening 118 may be disposed at a first recessedregion 113 defined in the top 103 of the perimeter 111 and the secondfastener opening 118 may be disposed at a second recessed region 113defined in the bottom 104 of the perimeter 111 (e.g., see FIG. 8). Incertain implementations, multiple fastener openings 118 can be disposedat one or more of the recessed regions 113. In other implementations,the recessed regions 113 may be located elsewhere on the faceplatemember 110.

In some implementations, a label arrangement 155 mounts to the faceplatemember 110 over the recessed region 113 to cover the fastener 159 seatedin the recessed region 113. In other implementations, the labelarrangement 155 is mounted over a recessed region 113 that does notdefine a fastener opening 118. The label arrangement 155 includes alabel sheet 156 and a protective cover 157. The label sheet 156 isconfigured to receive a label (e.g., verbal or graphic indicia) thatindicates the equipment to which the port connects, the type of plug tobe received at the port, or other such information. The cover 157 issufficiently translucent that a user may view the label displayed on thelabel sheet through the cover 157. In some implementations, the cover157 secures (e.g., latches, friction fits, snap-fits, etc.) the labelsheet 156 to the faceplate member 110.

FIG. 11 illustrates one example managed connectivity system 200 thatincludes at least one faceplate assembly 100 that is connected totermination equipment 210 (e.g., a patch panel, a switch, a router,etc.) and network analyzing equipment 220. The termination equipment 210is configured to receive communications data signals from the jackmodules 120 of the faceplate assembly 100. For example, the terminationequipment 210 receives communications data signals that were received atthe primary contacts of the jack modules 120. The network analyzingequipment 220 is configured to receive management data signals from thenetwork connector 150 of the faceplate assembly 100. For example, thenetwork analyzing equipment 220 receives management data signals thatwere received at the secondary contacts 145 of the media readinginterfaces 140.

In certain implementations, the termination equipment 210 and networkanalyzing equipment 220 are located in the same general location (e.g.,same room, same floor, etc.). In other implementations, the terminationequipment 210 and network analyzing equipment 220 are located indifferent locations (e.g., different floors, different buildings, etc.).In some implementations, multiple faceplate assemblies are coupled tothe same termination equipment 210 and/or network analyzer equipment220. In some implementations, the termination equipment 210 and networkanalyzing equipment 220 are located remote (e.g., different room,different floor, different building, etc.) from one or more of thefaceplate assemblies 100. For example, one or both of the terminationequipment 210 and network analyzer 220 may be coupled to one or more ofthe faceplate assemblies 100 over a network connection. In otherimplementations, one or both of the termination equipment 210 andnetwork analyzer 220 may be coupled to one or more of the faceplateassemblies 100 over a direct (e.g., wires, wireless, etc.) connection.

In some implementations, an electronic memory and processor are mountedto the faceplate assembly 100. For example, the electronic memory andprocessor may be mounted to the circuit board assembly 130. Theelectronic memory may store a unique ID that corresponds to thefaceplate assembly as a whole. The processor may be configured to readthe management data from the storage devices 430 of the plugs 402received at the jack modules 120. In certain implementations, theprocessor may be configured to determine when the plug 402 is insertedand to read based on the insertion.

FIG. 12 illustrates one example managed connectivity system 250 thatalso includes at least one faceplate assembly 100 that is connected totermination equipment 210 (e.g., a patch panel, a switch, a router,etc.) and network analyzing equipment 220. The termination equipment 210is configured to receive communications data signals from the jackmodules 120 of the faceplate assembly 100. The network analyzingequipment 220 is electrically coupled to the network connector 150 ofthe faceplate assembly 100. A local processor 260 is electricallyconnected between the network connector 150 and the network analyzingequipment 220. The local processor 260 accesses the storage device 430on the plug connector 402 via the network connector 150 and thesecondary contacts 145 to obtain the management data signals. The localprocessor 260 sends the management data to the network analyzer 220. Incertain implementations, the local processor 260 can detect an insertionof a plug 402 at the jack module 120 and reads the storage device 430 inresponse to the detected insertion.

In certain implementations, the termination equipment 210 and networkanalyzing equipment 220 are located in the same general location (e.g.,same room, same floor, etc.). In other implementations, the terminationequipment 210 and network analyzing equipment 220 are located indifferent locations (e.g., different floors, different buildings, etc.).The local processor 260 is disposed closer to the faceplate assembly 100than the termination equipment 210 and network analyzing equipment 220.In some implementations, the local processor 260 is located within fiftyfeet of the faceplate assembly 100. In certain implementations, thelocal processor 260 is located within forty feet of the faceplateassembly 100. In certain implementations, the local processor 260 islocated within thirty feet of the faceplate assembly 100. In certainimplementations, the local processor 260 is located about twenty-fivefeet from the faceplate assembly 100. For example, the local processor260 may be located in a ceiling above a wall to which the faceplateassembly 100 is mounted.

In some implementations, multiple faceplate assemblies are coupled tothe same termination equipment 210 and/or network analyzer equipment220. In certain implementations, one local processor 260 can servicemultiple faceplate assemblies 100. In other implementations, eachfaceplate assembly 100 has its own local processor 260. In someimplementations, the termination equipment 210 and network analyzingequipment 220 are located remote (e.g., different room, different floor,different building, etc.) from one or more of the faceplate assemblies100. For example, one or both of the termination equipment 210 andnetwork analyzer 220 may be coupled to one or more of the faceplateassemblies 100 over a network connection. In other implementations, oneor both of the termination equipment 210 and network analyzer 220 may becoupled to one or more of the faceplate assemblies 100 over a direct(e.g., wires, wireless, etc.) connection.

FIGS. 13-17 illustrate one example implementation of a faceplate member110 suitable for use in the faceplate assembly 100 disclosed herein. Thefaceplate member 110 includes a front surface through which one or moreopenings 112 are defined. In certain implementations, the front surfaceis generally flat. In the example shown, the front surface defines fouropenings 112. In other implementations, however, the front surface candefine a greater or lesser number of openings (e.g., one, two, six,etc.). The covers 157 of two label assemblies 155 are shown mounted tothe contoured peripheral edges 111 of the faceplate member 110. As shownin FIGS. 15 and 16, the covers 157 inhibit access to fasteners 151extending through fastener openings 118 from the front 101 of thefaceplate member 110.

As shown in FIG. 15, the rear 102 of the faceplate member 110 includes arearwardly extending support frame 113. The support frame 113 extendsaround an outer perimeter of each opening 112, thereby defining a depthfor each opening 112. As shown in FIG. 17, the support frame 113 extendsrearwardly further than the contoured edges 111. Recessed sections 115,116, 117 are defined in the support frame 113 to provide space toaccommodate the circuit board assembly 130 as will be described in moredetail herein. In some implementations, the recessed sections 115-117define continuous channels that extend through the support frame 113. Inother implementations, the recessed sections 115-117 define cutouts insections of the support frame 113 (e.g., see FIG. 5).

A first recessed section 115 extends through the support frame 113 in atop-bottom direction. For example, the first recessed section 115 mayseparate the openings 112 of the faceplate member 110 into left openings112 and right openings 112. The second and third recessed sections 116,117 extend through the support frame 113 in a first side-second sidedirection. For example, the second recessed section 116 may separate theopenings 112 of the faceplate member 112 into top openings 112 andbottom openings 112. The third recessed section 117 may extend throughthe support frame 113 either above the top openings 112 or below thebottom openings 112 (see FIG. 5).

FIGS. 18-22 illustrate one example circuit board assembly 130 suitablefor use in the faceplate assembly 100 disclosed herein. The circuitboard assembly 130 includes a printed circuit board 131 on which one ormore media reading interfaces 140 are disposed. In some implementations,the printed circuit board 131 is a rigid circuit board. In otherimplementations, the printed circuit board 131 is a flexible circuitboard. The circuit board 131 is configured to mount to the rear 102 ofthe faceplate member 110. In certain implementations, the circuit board131 is configured to mount to the support frame 113 of the faceplatemember 110. The circuit board 131 has a front face 137 and a rear face138. The front face 137 faces the rear of the faceplate member 110 whenthe circuit board assembly 130 is mounted to the faceplate member 110.

The circuit board 131 includes a main section 132 from which one or moresegments branch off. In certain implementations, the number of branchedsegments is equal to the number of openings 112. In otherimplementations, openings 112 may share branched segments. In theexample shown, a first segment 133 branches from the main section 132towards a top, first side opening 112; a second segment 134 branchesfrom the main section 132 towards a top, second side opening 112; athird segment 135 branches from the main section 132 towards a bottom,first side opening 112; and a fourth segment 136 branches from the mainsection 132 towards a bottom, second side opening 112. Accordingly, eachbranched segment 133-136 extends beneath and across one of the openings112 (e.g., see FIGS. 15 and 16).

Generally, a media reading interface 140 is disposed at each opening 112of the faceplate 110. A media reading interface 140 can be mounted overone or more of the branched segments 133-136. In the example shown, asingle media reading interface 140 is mounted to each branch segment133-136. In other implementations, multiple media reading interfaces 140may be mounted to one or more of the branch segments 133-136. Each mediareading interface 140 includes a body 141 that is configured to mount tothe circuit board assembly 130. In the example shown, the body 141 isU-shaped and defines a notch 142 that is sized to receive one of thebranched segments 133-136. The body 141 extends over the front face 137,rear face 138, and a side edge of the branched segment to retain thebody 141 on the branched segment.

A support ramp 144 extends upwardly from the body 141 towards the rearface 138 of the circuit board 131. The secondary contacts 145 alsoextend upwardly from the body 141. For example, the secondary contacts145 extend into a corresponding opening 112 at which the media readinginterface 140 is mounted. The secondary contacts 145 are configured toflex rearwardly towards the support ramp 144 when a plug connector(e.g., plug 402 of FIGS. 3 and 4) is inserted through the correspondingopening 112. The support ramp 144 inhibits the secondary contacts 145from flexing sufficiently far to be out of contact with the plugconnector.

The network connector 150 is mounted to the circuit board assembly 130.In the example shown, the network connector 150 includes a connectorbody 151 that is mounted at the rear face 138 of the circuit board 131.Rear contacts 152 face rearwardly from the connector body 151. Frontcontacts 153 extend into/through the circuit board 131 (see FIG. 18). Insome implementations, the network connector 150 includes a D-block. Inother implementations, the network connector 150 can be any other typeof connector (e.g., an RJ-11 connector, an RFID transceiver, etc.). Thenetwork connector 150 includes rear and front contacts 152, 153 thatcarry power, ground, and a data line for each media reading interface140. The network connector 150 is isolated from the primary contacts 125of the jack modules 120.

FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate one example implementation of a jack module120 suitable for use in the faceplate assembly 100 disclosed herein. Thejack module 120 includes a jack body 121 that defines a socket or port122 at one end thereof. The primary contacts 125 are disposed within thejack body 121. At least portions of the primary contacts 125 areaccessible through the port 122. The primary contacts 125 flex away fromthe port 122 when a plug connector (e.g., plug 402 of FIGS. 3 and 4) isinserted into the port 122. The main signal contacts 412 of the plug 402engage the primary contacts 125 when the plug 402 is held at the port122. A slot 129 extends from the port along one side of the jack body121 (see FIG. 24).

Rear contacts 123 are coupled to the primary contacts 125. The rearcontacts 123 are accessible from another end of the jack body 121. Inthe example shown, the rear contacts 123 include insulation displacementcontacts. In other implementations, however, the rear contacts 123 mayinclude any other type of electrical connection. In the example shown,the rear contacts 123 extend outwardly from a rear of the jack body 121in-line with the port 122. In other implementations, the rear contacts123 may extend outwardly from any side of the jack body 121 and need notbe in-line with the port 122. In the example shown, the rear contacts123 are disposed in a separate housing part that latches to a firsthousing part that holds the primary contacts 125. In otherimplementations, the jack body 121 may be formed as a monolithic part.

The jack body 121 is configured to attach to the faceplate member 110.In some implementations, the jack body 121 includes latching lugs 124 ata first side of the body 121 and a latching arm 126 at a second side ofthe body 121. The latching lugs 124 are fixed relative to the body 121and the latching arm 126 is flexible relative to the body 121. In theexample shown, the latching lugs 124 include two ramped surfaces thatdefine a channel therebetween. A portion 113 a (FIG. 15) of the supportframe 113 of the faceplate member 110 fits in the channel (e.g., seeFIGS. 8 and 10). In some implementations, the latching lugs 124 extendacross a width of the jack body 121. In other implementations, however,multiple latching lugs 124 are arranged on the jack body 121. Forexample, in FIG. 24, two latching lugs 124 are spaced apart so as to bedisposed at opposite sides of the jack body 121.

The latching arm 126 also includes latching lugs 127 that are fixedrelative to the latching arm 126. The latching lugs 127 include tworamped surfaces that define a channel therebetween. Another portion ofthe support frame 113 is configured to fit within the channel (e.g., seeFIGS. 8 and 10). The latching arm 126 also defines a ramped surface 128that facilitates inserting a front portion of the jack body 121 throughone of the openings 112 defined in the faceplate member 110. In theexample shown, the ramped surface 128 defines one of the two rampedsurfaces of the latching lugs 127. In some implementations, both rampedsurfaces of the latching lugs 127 extend across a width of the jack body121. In the example shown in FIG. 23, however, one of the rampedsurfaces includes a break or separation between two adjacent ramps.

To mount the jack module 120 at the faceplate member 110, a front of thejack body 121 is inserted through the support frame 113 and through oneof the openings 112 from the rear 102 of the faceplate member 110. Asthe front is being inserted, the support frame 113 deflects the latchingarm 126 towards the jack body 121. The jack body 121 is angled or raisedupwardly so that a front ramped surface of the latching lugs 124 clearsthe support frame 113 and the portion 113 a of the support frame 113 isallowed to enter the channel defined by the latching lugs 124. When thelatching lugs 124 are secured to the frame 113, the jack body 121 isangled or further inserted through the opening 121 so that the latchingarm 126 biases the latching lugs 127 into engagement with the otherportion of the frame 113, thereby securing the jack body 121 to theframe 113.

The secondary contacts 145 of the media reading interfaces 140 extendinto the jack modules 120 through the slots 129. In someimplementations, the circuit board assembly 130 is mounted to thefaceplate member 110 before the jack modules 120. Since the slots 129extend to the port 122, the secondary contacts 145 slide through theports 122 and through the slots 129 as the jack modules 120 are mountedto the faceplate member 110.

In some implementations, the front faces of the jack bodies 121 areflush with the front surface of the faceplate member 110 when the jackmodules 120 are fully inserted (e.g., see FIGS. 6 and 10). In otherimplementations, the front faces of the jack bodies 121 may be recessedrearwardly relative to the front surface of the faceplate member 110 orprotruding outwardly from the front surface of the faceplate member 110.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

What is claimed is:
 1. A managed connectivity system comprising: (a) awall outlet faceplate assembly including a faceplate member and aplurality of flush-mounted jacks, the faceplate member defining aplurality of openings extending between a front and a rear of thefaceplate member, each jack being flush-mounted to and supported by thefaceplate member at a respective one of the openings, each jackincluding primary contacts and secondary contacts isolated from theprimary contacts, the faceplate assembly also including a networkconnector that is electrically coupled to the secondary contacts of eachjack; (b) a network analyzer that is electrically coupled to the networkconnector to receive signals from the secondary contacts of each jack;and (c) a termination device including a plurality of electricalterminations, the primary contacts of at least one of the jacks beingelectrically connected to one of the electrical terminations.
 2. Themanaged connectivity system of claim 1, wherein the network analyzer isdisposed at a location remote from the wall outlet faceplate assembly.3. The managed connectivity system of claim 1, further comprising aprocessor that is connected electrically between the network connectorand the network analyzer.
 4. The managed connectivity system of claim 3,wherein the processor receives a presence sensing signal and reads datafrom a plug received in one of the jacks of the wall outlet faceplateassembly via the respective secondary contacts.
 5. The managedconnectivity system of claim 3, wherein the processor is located a firstlength away from the wall outlet faceplate assembly and a second lengthaway from the network analyzer, wherein the first length is less thanthe second length.
 6. The managed connectivity system of claim 5,wherein the first length is no more than about 50 feet.
 7. The managedconnectivity system of claim 5, wherein the first length is no more thanabout 35 feet.
 8. The managed connectivity system of claim 5, whereinthe first length is no more than about 25 feet.
 9. The managedconnectivity system of claim 1, wherein the network connector includes aD-block.
 10. A method of installing a managed connectivity systemcomprising: mounting at least one media reading interface to a printedcircuit board, the media reading interface including secondary contactsthat extend outwardly from the printed circuit board; mounting a networkconnector to the printed circuit board so that the network connector iselectrically connected to the secondary contacts; mounting the printedcircuit board to a rear of a faceplate member so that the secondarycontacts extend into an opening defined in the faceplate member and thenetwork connector extends rearwardly of the faceplate member; mounting ajack module at the opening defined in the faceplate member so that thesecondary contacts extend into an interior of the jack module and areaccessible through a port defined by the jack module, the secondarycontacts remaining isolated from primary contacts of the jack module.11. The method of claim 10, wherein the opening of the faceplate memberis one of a plurality of openings defined by the faceplate member, andwherein the method further comprises: mounting a plurality of mediareading interfaces to the printed circuit board, the media readinginterfaces including secondary contacts that extend outwardly from theprinted circuit board, wherein the secondary contacts of the pluralityof media reading interfaces are electrically connected to the networkconnector via the printed circuit board.
 12. The method of claim 11,further comprising mounting a plurality of jack modules at the pluralityof openings defined in the faceplate member so that the secondarycontacts extend into interiors of the jack modules and are accessiblethrough ports defined by the jack modules, the secondary contactsremaining isolated from primary contacts of the jack modules.
 13. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising connecting the primary contactsto termination equipment remote from the faceplate member.
 14. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising connecting the secondary contactsto network analyzing equipment remote from the faceplate member.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein connecting the secondary contacts to thenetwork analyzing equipment comprises wirelessly connecting thesecondary contacts to the network analyzing equipment.
 16. The method ofclaim 14, wherein connecting the secondary contacts to the networkanalyzing equipment comprises connecting the secondary contacts to thenetwork analyzing equipment using electrical wire.
 17. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising connecting a local processor between thenetwork connector and the network analyzing equipment.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the local processor is configured to detect aninsertion of a plug at the jack module and to read a storage device ofthe plug in response to the detected insertion.
 19. The method of claim17, wherein the local processor is disposed closer to the faceplatemember than to network analyzing equipment.
 20. The method of claim 17,wherein the local processor is disposed closer to the network analyzingequipment than to the faceplate member.